£20, 000 Reward Offered to Catch Killer

Merseyside Police is reoffering a £20,000 reward on the second anniversary of the murder of the murder of 32-year-old Joe Thompson in Norris Green.

At about 1am on Thursday, 14 June 2012 emergency services were called to Ravensthorpe Green to a report that two men had been injured after being shot at in the street.

When officers arrived they found 32-year-old Thompson who was declared dead at the scene by paramedics and a 27-year-old man with gunshot injuries. The injured man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment before being released.

At the time of the incident a dark coloured Citroen C4 car was seen being driven around the area. A post-mortem established Mr Thompson died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.

Following the incident a murder investigation was launched which is ongoing.

Merseyside Police is reoffering a £20,000 reward leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mr Thompson.

Since the murder a total of four men have been arrested as part of this investigation and positive lines of inquiry are currently being followed up.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Clark, said: "It has now been two years since Mr Thompson was murdered and I am taking this opportunity to appeal once again to the community for their help with the investigation.

"In particular we still would like to speak to the occupants of a dark coloured Citroen C4 that was seen in the area of Sedgemoor Road and a short time later on Lowerhouse Lane at the junction of East Lancashire Road. This was shortly before 1am on the morning of Thursday, 14 June, around the same time as the shooting.

"Someone knows who is responsible for this callous act, which has left a family devastated, it's not too late to search your conscience and come forward now. We firmly believe that the answers lie within the local community and we continue to offer a £20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of someone in relation to this matter.

"I would hope that the passing of time will enable people to search their consciences and find the courage to come forward to tell us what they know. We understand that people are sometimes reluctant to come forward in the aftermath of such a serious crime as this. Anyone with information can speak to us anonymously and in the strictest confidence if need be.

"Two years on, people may have moved from the area or may be in a different situation from then and now feel in a position to talk to the police. If this is you, I would urge you to come forward, you could provide vital answers that we want give to Mr Thompson’s family.

"We will ensure that any new evidence or information is closely investigated by officers and could help us make significant progress and help us find justice for Joseph’s friends and family.

"We remain committed to finding those responsible for Joseph's death and anyone who thinks they can help should contact Merseyside Police on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."